It’s Time to Get Serious About Education

The following piece reflects the insight and thoughts of teachers currently in the classroom, with instruction levels ranging from Kindergarten to High School, rather than former teachers who have been far removed. The teachers include Barbara Iwunze, a High School French Teacher, Christina Nguyen, a Kindergarten Teacher, Negai Familia, a 4^th Grade Teach, Sheree Kelly, a K-2 Multigrade Christian School Teacher, and Raisa Bryan, a K-5^th STEM Plus Enrichment Teacher. Each teacher has 5+ years of experience and is truly invested in the education of our youth.

Education is one of the foundational layers that keep our global society running. We invest in things that we want to sustain us and things that continue to be impactful throughout generations. Investing in education is just that. It is important to invest in education because we are shaping the future of our world. Our children grow up to be our doctors, teachers, firefighters, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more. Without any form of education, no one would be able to successfully perform their job. Not only does education open doors to new opportunities, but it is also a part of the growing process.

Among many things, knowledge helps our students to open their minds to new ideas, to think critically, to process, analyze, create, and express themselves. Some students live in an educationally rich environment or they have a natural ability to pick things up quickly. Other students may not have that luxury, or they might require more intentional interventions to acquire the same knowledge. It is important for students on both ends of the spectrum to receive the education that best fits them. By investing in targeted education, the experiences our students have in the classroom will be equitable and realistic. This will ultimately prepare them to pursue their individual passions in a 21st-century world.

Teachers know that their abilities are limited and rely on the hope that students’ families will support the teacher’s efforts, especially during this time of remote learning. Parents can get involved in their child’s learning by learning alongside their children, communicating with the teachers, and by making time for learning. Many educational tools and methods students are learning currently are different from what their parents learned during their education. Parents can ask their student, “Teach me what you are learning in____.” Allow your student to teach you what they know. Take time to visit the educational programs your student practices in school. Log in to see what they do to better understand how and what they are learning. Also, ask the teacher or school about Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) programs. These programs are designed for parents to work together to provide a community that will uplift the school.

Parents can do simple things like checking on the status of their child’s learning and development. It is challenging to take care of a household and work as a second educator to your child after work hours. However, putting time into education will yield a great return on investment. Families can help support the learning of their child by making time for it. It seems like a simple concept, but it can be quite a challenge depending on the home dynamic of the family. Families can play learning games with their children. Older siblings can even help with the material and concepts that they have already learned. Families can read to their children in their home language. Families can have a positive growth mindset as it relates to grades and cognitive development.

Removing the pressure that children should earn a certain grade and replacing it with growth in abilities and strides toward the standards will make a big difference.

Parental support should not stop, especially when the student is of high school age. To be on one team with both teacher and student to reach success is imperative. Be present, encouraging, and supportive through the challenges and successes throughout a student’s educational career. Just like a parent would be supportive at a sporting event, that same positive energy is needed inside the classroom.

Some children and teens dislike the classroom setting. Students will operate where they feel comfortable. We must start by making sure the school our children attend is a safe place in their eyes. Then, afterward, students will be more comfortable with learning. Parents should communicate with the teachers about how their student is acclimating in the classroom setting. As teachers, we know that what worked for a previous class may not be fitting for the next class. First, physically look at the structure of the classroom. Is the classroom inviting? Does the classroom fit the learning style of the students? See what can be done to the classroom setting to change the environment. Parents should work alongside the teacher to inform the teacher of their child’s learning style as well as what worked well with the child in the past.

When working with your child at home, add songs, skits, or movements that connect the content to creativity. Encourage and welcome your student to find their own creative ways to learn. Some students pay more attention while drawing/coloring and allowing that can improve their attention span. Outdoor learning provides a change of scenery and allows children to think more freely.  Create an environment where students can work using technology to complete assignments. Incorporate learning activities that are project-based or STEM activities that allow kids to build, create, and improve communication skills.

Another tip is to make learning relevant. Examine the assignments or extra assignments you incorporate with your child and see where you can reference things students are already knowledgeable about. For example: Add students’ names and items they already know in word problems. For older students, let them lead out in their learning. It gives the students voice and choice and allows them to see that they can really cause a change in their learning environment, thus building buy-in. Parents can help by being positive, encouraging, and removing the pressure of perfection. We need to make sure students know that it is okay if the content is challenging. Parents can help by motivating and applauding students at every step which ultimately changes it all.

Education is one thing that cannot be taken away from a student. As teachers, our goals for students are the same as those of their parents. We want students to be the best at what they purpose to do. We want them to excel in the areas that bring them joy. We want students to develop emotional intelligence. We want to instill in them a love of learning. Some days may be harder than others when we are teaching, but putting in time, effort, love, and creativity as parents can make an impact in children’s lives.

 About the Author

Kenesma John was born in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. and descended from a Lucian mother and an Anguillan father. She was raised in Houston, Texas, and moved to Florida one year before starting her Ph.D. journey. She is an experienced Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the primary education industry. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Florida with scholarly interests in Black Immigrants, Black Feminist Thought, and Culturally Responsive Teaching/Learning. Before starting the graduate program, Kenesma self-published her first children’s book, The Newest Addition: A Tale of Siblings, which is available on Amazon in English, Spanish, and French.